When the Simcoe family founded Toronto in the late 1700s, they brought their pets with them – including a big Newfoundland dog named Jack Sharp.
Today, you'll find him on the monument to Elizabeth Simcoe that stands in Bradford West Gwillimbury, at the corners of John and Barrie Streets.
Adam Bunch will be our host April 17 as we explore the dramatic role this breed played in Canadian history, meet all the Simcoes' pets, and find out how Jack Sharp found himself in very deep trouble not long after the city was founded.
Bunch is an author (The Toronto Book of the Dead, and The Toronto Book of Love), host of the Canadiana documentary series, creator of the Toronto History Weekly newsletter and teaches history at George Brown College.
His work popularizing Canadian history has been recognized with an honourable mention for a Governor General's Award in 2012.
"What a great storyteller," according to the CBC's Matt Galloway.
The Tecumseth and West Gwillimbury Historical Society meetings are held in the Tec-We-Gwill Women's Institute hall in Newton Robinson, 4380 Line 10, Bradford West Gwillimbury at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are free for members and $5 for guests. All are welcome. No reservations required. Memberships are $35 for family and $20 for individuals.
For more info, contact Mark Burchell at [email protected] or 705-458-8964.
